The yearly “Rassemblement”

Every year, Franco American Programs organizes a “rassemblement” or gathering of Franco American artists, writers, and creatives.  This annual event aims to create a culturally supportive space in which members of the Franco-American creative community can share their work.

We at the Franco-American Centre at the University of Maine, Orono are excited to announce our 

RASSEMBLEMENT 2026

Lisa, Jake, and I are delighted to invite you to our annual gathering.  We both hope that you will join us.

We will gather in person in Orono from April 10-12, 2026.

We have arranged a block of rooms at the Hotel Ursa.  The rooms are $119/night, plus tax.  The code for our group rate is FRANCOAM. 

The release date for the block is March 20, 2026.

Tentative schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT in Orono

Friday, April 10, 2026

5:30pm: Pot-luck Dinner at the Franco American Centre. Bring something if you can, don’t worry if you can’t. There is always more than enough food.

7pm: Adèle Saint-Pierre art opening and talk. Adèle Saint-Pierre is a Franco-American artist, originally from Jay, Maine.

Saturday, April 11, 2026

9am-12pm: Sharing our work: We will establish this schedule once we get a better sense of who is planning on attending, and who would like to share their work.  

12pm: Lunch

1:30pm-3:30pm: Sharing our work (or if everyone who wishes to present has already presented, a moderated discussion or a walk in the woods)

5pm: Dinner on your own

Sunday, April 12, 2026

10am-12noon: Debrief and wrap-up (in-person, Orono) — Optional informal discussion to wrap-up the weekend, provide feedback, and say good-byes.

TO ATTEND EITHER GATHERING, PLEASE REGISTER THROUGH THIS LINK (coming soon!) You will receive further information via email, including the full weekend agenda and Zoom links for the virtual Saturday. Registration helps us establish the schedule and prepare for catering. There is no charge for either event. 

Donations are welcome.  They make events like this one possible.

Please register even if you have already emailed or called Lisa or me.

If anyone would like to come but cannot afford a hotel room, please let us know.  We have a small pot of funds that we can use to help.

For assistance or further information, please contact Lisa Michaud at lisam@maine.edu or (207) 581-3789 or Susan Pinette at spinette@maine.edu

We can’t wait to see you!